My radiator is leaking water – help!

A huge range of issues can cause a leaking radiator. You will need to identify the source of the radiator leak if you are to determine what is wrong and take steps to fix it.

If you have a central heating cover service plan with us, you may be able to call us out and have your radiators fixed for free, but you may wish to repair the radiator yourself. We’ve compiled the following tips to tell you how to fix a leaking radiator. It is best to repair a leaking radiator or leaking radiator valve as quickly as possible, as the leak can damage the rest of your property, stain your carpets, and destroy your electrics.

You will need to prepare for water to gush out of your radiator when you start repairing it, so put a lot of towels on the floor around the radiator and use a large pot to catch as much water as you can.

Spotting the source of a radiator leak

Dry the radiator with a towel so you can spot what is leaking; it is easy to misidentify the source of a leak when a radiator is wet.

Leaking radiator valves or stop cocks

This is one of the easiest radiator leaks to remedy. A leaking radiator stopcock or valve occurs when the spindle packing within the valve wears out or is damaged. Usually, these leaks occur when the valve is in the “mid-open” position, so the leak will stop when the valve is either fully opened or closed.

If you need to repair the valve, then drain the central heating system and purchase a replacement valve of the same type as your existing valve. Unscrew the nuts connecting the water pipe and valve, and then unscrew the valve to replace it. You will then need to bleed the radiator.

Wrap the new valve in PTFE tape and carefully screw it into place.

Leaking radiator spindles

Tighten the gland nut within the spindle. If this does not work, you might have to call in an expert.

Leaking radiator coupling

A leak at the coupling can often be fixed by simply re-tightening the coupling. If this does not work, you will need to replace the olive inside the coupling.

Loosen the nut between the feeder pipe and the radiator. Then open the bleeder valve at the top of the radiator to completely drain it. Take the olive out of the radiator by removing the cap nut and fitting. Coil PTEF tape around your new olive and put it back into place.

Radiator leaks caused by corrosion

Unfortunately, if your radiator is corroding and this is causing leaks, you will likely need to replace the radiator. Add a rust inhibitor to the water after you have installed the new radiator to ensure the problem does not repeat itself.

Still having trouble?

Don’t attempt to touch any part of your boiler or central heating system if you’re unsure. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, as you could end up making things a lot worse.

Instead, call us at 0345 3192 247 and we can help. Our technical team will run some simple diagnostics to see if your problem can be resolved over the phone, or they will schedule an appointment with one of our highly skilled and knowledgeable Gas Safe registered engineers to get your radiator leaks fixed and your central heating back up and running as soon as possible.

The experts at 247 Home Rescue can help you fix radiator leaks if you have boiler breakdown cover or home emergency cover. Arrange a one-off repair for a fixed fee or take out a gas central heating cover with us today!

For more information on how to avoid plumbing emergencies, please read our guide here.